SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A landmark Supreme Court ruling today extended workplace protections for LGBTQ workers nationwide.
Years ago, and a few months into a new job in San Diego, Lina Craychee says she came out as transgender and was promptly transferred from a store location to a corporate job.
"My boss told me I had to. They wouldn't let me present as female in the store level, because it would hurt business," said Craychee.
Craychee says she kept silent and accepted the transfer because she needed the job. It's the type of silence she hopes will fade away after an historic Supreme Court ruling. By a 6-3 majority, the court extended 1964 Civil Rights Act protections to LGBTQ employees, who now can't be fired or discriminated against in the workplace because of their sexual orientation.
While California protects LGBTQ workers against discrimination, nearly 30 states do not.
"Huge feeling of relief and victory," said Eddie Reynoso, executive director of the Equality Business Alliance in San Diego.
Last fall, Reynoso camped for 72 hours on the Supreme Court steps for the opportunity to witness the arguments.
"In terms of impact, this will be bigger than the marriage equality ruling," said Reynoso.
Reynoso says the ruling sends a powerful message across the country.
"Ultimately it means the workplace is going to be a safer place. LGBT workers will have an affirming work environment," said Reynoso.
While this ruling is directed at the workplace, experts say this could open to door for other challenges involving LGBTQ discrimination. Meanwhile,advocates say more job security will mean more access to tings like health care.
"It means trans people like myself can have peaceful workplace," said Craychee.
